Tirumala, September 7, 2013: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer M.G. Gopal on Friday categorically said that the gold being deposited into the temple hundi by the visiting devout is absolutely safe in the hands of the management.

Talking to media persons Mr. Gopal ruled out reports in a section of press which stated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had reportedly asked the management to part with its gold deposits as part of its efforts to strengthen the plummeting rupee value.

Gold offerings

Dwelling at length, he said that the gold offerings being made by the devotees either lie with the administration or is deposited with nationalised banks that offer higher rate of interest. This is based on the recommendations of the Investment committee constituted with the former Deputy Governor of RBI, SEBI and NABARD chairman besides Central Vigilance Commissioner.

Srinivasa Kalyanams

Fielding a volley of questions during the ‘Dial TTD EO’ programme, Mr. Gopal said that the much appreciated Srinvasa Kalyanams will be conducted only at places where the local committees agree to the amended terms and conditions of the TTD.

To a request from an NRI devotee for conducting the programme in US, unlike last year the TTD Executive Officer said that the management was pained at the alleged reports that some of the local committees had collected huge funds for the programme against the norms.

“We don’t wish to get involved in needless controversies,” he said in unequivocal terms. “This is why we have formulated new guidelines and the requests of those who strictly abide by them only will be considered.”

Improving amenities

Responding to a caller from Suryapet, he said that he would discuss the issue of improving amenities at Vedadri and Basar river ghats with the Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Endowments.

Source: The Hindu, September 7, 2013